Landing your first job after high school or college isn’t just about creating a resume—it’s about leveraging every available tool to align your career path with your values and goals. In her latest book, Wanted → My First Career: The Definitive Playbook for Landing Your First Job in a Fulfilling Career, Marlo Lyons provides actionable advice for navigating today’s job market. One chapter focuses on maximizing LinkedIn to stand out in the digital age, offering fresh strategies that go beyond the basics.
Here are five tips inspired by Marlo’s insights to help you make LinkedIn your secret weapon.
1. Make Your LinkedIn Keywords Work Hard for You
Recruiters search for candidates using keywords pulled from job descriptions. Marlo stresses the importance of tailoring your profile to match these terms. Scan job postings in your field and strategically incorporate keywords into your headline, skills, and experience sections to boost your visibility.
2. Highlight Relevant Skills Strategically
Your skills section is more than a list—it’s a way to showcase what sets you apart. Marlo advises pinning the three most relevant skills to the top of your LinkedIn profile. This ensures that recruiters immediately see your top strengths. Don’t forget to ask professors, colleagues, or mentors to endorse these skills for added credibility.
3. Tell a Story with Your Background Photo
Most users stick with LinkedIn’s default background, but Marlo sees this as a missed opportunity. Choose a simple, professional image that reflects your career aspirations. For example, a sleek tech-inspired design could work for aspiring engineers, while a creative abstract might suit marketers or designers.
4. Get Specific with Recommendations
When asking for LinkedIn recommendations, Marlo advises providing your recommenders with specific achievements or skills to highlight. For example:
“Could you mention my leadership skills and the impact I had on [specific project]?”
This ensures that the recommendations align with the story your profile is telling and helps recruiters see your potential.
5. Maximize Your Visibility with LinkedIn Settings
Many job seekers overlook the importance of profile settings. Marlo recommends making sure your profile is public so recruiters can easily find you. Additionally, turn on the “open to work” feature to signal your availability without alerting current employers.
A Career Playbook for the Modern Era
These LinkedIn tips are just one example of the practical guidance Marlo provides in Wanted → My First Career. From creating compelling resumes to nailing your first 90 days on the job, the book covers everything you need to know to build a career that aligns with your passions and goals.
Some of the chapters you can look forward to include:
- “Be Intentional” – How to approach every step of your career with purpose.
- “Assessing What’s Important to You” – Discovering your values and translating them into a fulfilling career.
- “Recruiters Are the Gateway” – Understanding how to connect with and leverage recruiters.
- “Tell a Great Story in Your Cover Letter” – Making your application stand out.
About Marlo Lyons
Marlo Lyons is an award-winning author, career strategist, and executive coach with a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of the job market. Her previous book, Wanted → A New Career, won the Eric Hoffer Award for Best Self-Help Book of 2022 and was praised for its empowering and practical advice.
Marlo is a globally certified career coach, HR professional, and licensed lawyer. She regularly contributes to publications like Harvard Business Review, CNN, and Newsweek and has shared her expertise on top podcasts like GrowCFO and The Power In The Pause. You can reach Marlo at www.marlolyonscoaching.com.
Get your copy of Wanted → My First Career today, available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats. Take the first step toward building a career that reflects who you are!
